Soc/WS 426-001 Gender & Mental Health Spring 2021 Department of Sociology Instructor: Matthew Geraths, MA, LMFT Office: Zoom Availability: Monday 1-2 Phone: 503.719.2037 Email: matg@pdx.edu Course Title: Gender & Mental Health CRN: Soc: 64891 WS: 64892 Credits: Course Location: REMOTE Course Meeting Schedule: Course Description This course is a social and historical explanation of, and research on, mental health and illness, with a focus on gender Contemporary distributions, diagnoses, and treatments of mental illness among all genders are examined Specific attention will be paid to systemic approaches when conceptualizing and treating mental health issues Focus on psychiatric disorder and gender-based discourse This is the same course as WS 426 and may be taken only once for credit Prerequisite: Upper-division standing 4.000 Credit hours Page of Course Outcomes/Learning Objectives Learning Objective One: Learn about theoretical frameworks, theories, and concepts a Reading quizzes will test students on identifying and defining the sociological frameworks, theories, or concepts used in course readings b Students will practice using theoretical frameworks when constructing and conducting genogram interviews and writing a research reflection c Students will be expected to participate in online discussion groups generating questions and critiques of theoretical frameworks Learning Objective Two: Learn about other scholars’ sociological empirical research a Students will read original works of sociologists and social psychologists on the topics of gender and mental health. b Students will discuss in small groups the impact, relevance, and need for novel research c Students will find original articles to inform their genogram research interviews and paper Learning Objective Three: Learn how to collect and analyze data using sociological research methods a Students will conduct at least one interview using interview guides designed for collecting data for a genogram b Students will be asked to write a research paper based on the data collected from their genogram interviews c Learning Objective Four: Learn about inequality through a sociological lens d Students will be taught how to apply an intersectional, transgenerational, and systems approach to all course readings, paying particular attention to the wide range of experiences depicted in the course reading material Required Materials I will not require students to purchase any books for this class I have decided to use open source material for this class to prevent additional coast for students Students will be required to use the following: Access and participation on the SOC/WS 426 D2L page for this class Page of A means of recording video/audio for the genogram interviews and class reflection videos See either Genogram Interviews or Reading/Class Reflections for more information I would suggest PSU My Media Major Assignments Exams (see Exam Structure for more information) a Midterm - 50 points Due Sunday May 2, by 11:59 pm - Midterm can be found on D2L b Final - 50 points Due Sunday June 13, by 11:59 pm - Final can be found on D2L Genogram Research Paper (see Genogram Research Paper for more information) a First Draft - 50 points Due Sunday April 25, by 11:59 pm - upload to D2L First Draft Dropbox b Second Draft - 75 points Due Sunday May 23, by 11:59 pm - upload to D2L Second Draft Dropbox Small Group Participation (see Participation Grade for more information) a Self-graded for 100 points Due every Sunday starting April 11, by 11:59 pm Reading & Class Reflections (see Requirements for Reflections) a 10 points each for a total of 50 Points Due every two weeks starting April 11, by 11:59 Percent of grade, by Required assignments Page of Grading Criteria Grading Scale (total of 375 points) Grade % Points Grade % Points A 95 356 C 70 263 A- 90 338 C- 66 247 B+ 86 323 D+ 63 235 B 83 311 D 60 224 B- 79 296 D- 57 213 C+ 75 281 F 54 202 Exam Structure The midterm and the final will be approximately 50 questions Questions will be multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank or True/False based on the course readings and lectures I want to acknowledge not everyone does well on this kind of exam and your performance may not be indicative of your interest or understanding of the material To ensure students well, I will allow students to take each exam twice After each attempt, you will see which questions you have answered incorrectly in order to help study for the next attempt Exams are open book, you can work in groups, and you will have three hours for each attempt Exams will not be cumulative Genogram Research Paper The aim of this paper is to think about how mental health issues are connected to larger social systems, historical contexts, and family legacies There will be two stages or drafts for this assignment Major components of this assignment will be decided on by the class in the first two weeks of the course Below is a rough outline of important components 1st DRAFT - There are two components to the 1st draft: A drawing of your genogram (see Readings for Third Week: Genograms! for details) Page of A written paper identifying who you would like to interview, the interview questions you would like to use, and how your questions connect to the course material (A detailed structure for the paper will be provided in class) ● You may choose to focus on your family (as you define family) or use a fictional family for this assignment 2nd DRAFT Your second draft is an analysis describing what you learned from the interview, how the interview has reshaped your understanding of the family you focused on, and how the new information connects to themes discussed in your first paper Small Group Participation Requirements Students will be randomly assigned to small reading groups that will meet each class for the duration of the term Groups will consist of or less students and will be responsible for discussing the readings together 20 minutes will be allotted for group discussions every class After small group discussions, the class will come back as a whole and one person from each group will summarize the major themes from the group Each week you will grade yourself on criteria decided by the class in the first week of class Requirements for Reflections The structure of this course will reflect the reflective nature of the material and issues by allowing students to shape the direction and focus of the class through these reflections Every two weeks, students are expected to submit a reading/class reflection These reflections can either be written or recorded video and submitted on D2L Reflections should not be longer than two pages or three minutes of recording and the following prompts should be used to guide your reflection: What impact have the readings and/or class had on you? How have the readings and/or class shaped your understanding of mental health? What questions remain unanswered for you regarding class material? What would you like to see more of in the readings and/or class? Page of Flexibility Statement The instructor reserves the right to modify course content and/or substitute assignments and learning activities in response to institutional, weather, or class situations Any changes to the syllabus will be made on Google Docs Course Calendar/Schedule See the Content page on D2L for the reading schedule Course Attendance and Make-up Policies Students are expected to regularly attend class and participate in the small group reading discussions All required work should be completed and submitted on D2L Please not email me assignments I am happy to find alternative assignments for students who cannot complete a particular assignment PSU Policies & Resources Academics PSU Grading System Undergraduate: http://pdx.smartcatalogiq.com/2020-2021/Bulletin/Undergraduate-Studies/Grading-Sys tem-for-Undergraduates Drop/Withdraw Deadline: http://pdx.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2020-2021/Bulletin/Academic-Calendar Academic Integrity Academic integrity is a vital part of the educational experience at PSU Please see the PSU Student Code of Conduct for the university’s policy on academic dishonesty A confirmed violation of that Code in this course may result in failure of the course Incomplete Policy Students not have a right to receive or demand an Incomplete grade The option of assigning an Incomplete grade is at the discretion of the instructor when the following criteria are met Eligibility Criteria: Required satisfactory course completion/participation Reasonable justification for the request Page of Incomplete grade is not a substitute for a poor grade Written agreement (See Incomplete Contract ) Resolving the Incomplete For the full Incomplete Policy see https://www.pdx.edu/registration/grading-system#/?section=incompletegradei Student Services Disability Access Statement If you have, or think you may have, a disability that may affect your work in this class and feel you need accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center to schedule an appointment and initiate a conversation about reasonable accommodations The DRC is located in 116 Smith Memorial Student Union, 503-725-4150, drc@pdx.edu, https://www.pdx.edu/disability-resource-center/ Basic Needs at Portland State It can be challenging to your best in class if you have trouble meeting basic needs like safe shelter, sleep, and nutrition Resource centers across campus are here to provide assistance, referrals, and support Please contact anyone on this list for assistance: ● Basic Needs Hub: basicneedshub@pdx.edu ● Portland State Food Pantry: https://psufp.com, pantry@pdx.edu ● C.A.R.E Team: askdos@pdx.edu, (503) 725-4422 ● Student Health & Counseling: askshac@pdx.edu, (503) 725-2800 Title IX Reporting As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment for my students and for the campus as a whole Please be aware of the Safe Campus Statement: Portland State University desires to create a safe campus for our students As part of that mission, PSU requires all students to take the learning module entitled Creating a Safe Campus: Preventing Gender Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can find the appropriate resources on PSU’s Enrollment Management & Student Affairs: Sexual Prevention & Response website at http://www.pdx.edu/sexual-assault As a faculty member, I have the responsibility to report any instances of sexual harassment, sexual violence and/or other forms of prohibited discrimination If you Page of would rather share information about sexual harassment, sexual violence or discrimination to a confidential employee who does not have this reporting responsibility, you can find a list of those individuals on PSU’s Enrollment Management & Student Affairs: Sexual Prevention & Response website at http://www.pdx.edu/sexual-assault For more information about Title IX please complete the required student module “Creating a Safe Campus: Preventing Gender Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault” in the “My Courses” section of D2L Cultural Resource Centers The Cultural Resource Centers (CRCs) create a student-centered inclusive environment that enriches the university experience We honor diversity, explore social justice issues, celebrate cultural traditions, and foster student identities, success, and leadership Our centers include the Multicultural Student Center, La Casa Latina Student Center, Native American Student & Community Center, Pan African Commons, Pacific Islander, Asian, Asian American Student Center and the Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian program We provide student leadership, employment, and volunteer opportunities; student resources such as computer labs, event, lounge and study spaces; and extensive programming All are welcome! Technology Recording Technology Notice We will use technology for virtual meetings and recordings in this course Our use of such technology is governed by FERPA, the Acceptable Use Policy and PSU’s Student Code of Conduct A record of all meetings and recordings is kept and stored by PSU, in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy and FERPA Your instructor will not share recordings of your class activities outside of course participants, which include your fellow students, TAs/GAs/Mentors, and any guest faculty or community-based learning partners that we may engage with You may not share recordings outside of this course Doing so may result in disciplinary action Turnitin Students agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers Use of Turnitin.com page service is subject to the Usage Policy and Privacy Pledge posted on the Turnitin.com site. Page of Page of ... original works of sociologists and social psychologists on the topics of gender and mental health. b Students will discuss in small groups the impact, relevance, and need for novel research c... your reflection: What impact have the readings and/ or class had on you? How have the readings and/ or class shaped your understanding of mental health? What questions remain unanswered for you... Acceptable Use Policy and PSU’s Student Code of Conduct A record of all meetings and recordings is kept and stored by PSU, in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy and FERPA Your instructor